Do any of you remember the character named Geri who was on the Facts of life TV show back in the 1980s? Do you remember that she had Cerebral Palsy? For those of you who remember that show, I mention this, so you have some idea what this book is about.

This is the story of Karen Killilea who was born in 1940 with cerebral palsy. Her parents were told by the doctors and other medical specialist to put her in an institution and forget about her. Marie and James Killilea refused to do that.

They spent many many hours giving Karen the physiotherapy and occupational therapy that Karen needed in order for her to learn to speak clearly, to read and write, to walk (albeit with crutches) and to look after her own bodily needs (such as going to the bathroom).

This book also covers all the hard work that Marie did on pushing for a National Cerebral Palsy group (cerebralpalsyguidance dot com) that could sponsor research and push for legislation for those children born with physical and mental handicaps.

The Killilea family are Irish Catholics so there is some mention of religion. Mostly related to Karen's first communion, first confession and her confirmation. I just skipped over those parts.

I had first read this book more than 30 years ago back in the 1980s, before I left home, so this was a long overdue re-read for me. There is also a sequel called With Love From Karen. I may be reading that soon as well. ( )

This is one of those classic books that deserves a 5 star review. For the inspiring story that it is, for the superb writing, the humor, grit, honesty and the history behind it as well. Marie Killilea tells the story of her daughter Karen, who was born with cerebral palsy in the early 1940's, a time when PT and OT services were virtually non-existent. The story includes anecdotes, conversations, struggles, and also a parallel story of how Mrs. Killilea helped found the National United Cerebral Palsy Foundation. Delightful and inspiring. This was my second reading of the book. I'm reading the sequel now for the first time! ( )

I rediscovered this book that I enjoyed in Jr. High/ High School. It was so interesting to see how attitudes have changed since then. It is still an inspiration to see how a set of parents use their common sense to take care of their daughter and help form United Cerebral pla ( )

Every time I read my copy, I'm blown away by Karen's story. She overcame so much to achieve a productive life after her parents were told to leave her in an institution and forget they ever had her. The family as a whole provided support and hope for thousands of other families struggling with CP and without the Killileas, development of CP devices and surgeries would have been held back for many decades. Even without all of that, you will fall in love with the entire family. I wish I knew where they all were now! ( )

There is something special about my child… I knew it from the moment she was born… A minute morsel, she weighed under two pounds, and measured 9 inches from the tip of her tiny head to her in infinitesimal toes… I lay back. Still, bathed in happiness. It was like a brittle shell, this happiness, and I felt that motion or sound might shatter it… I could still feel the surge of unbelievable wondering. Enjoy evoked by the babies lusty yell."What do you think of our child? Is she is pretty, as Marie? Did you count her fingers and toes?"…He said that at the foot of the bed and I waited for him to express his delight."You must realize"––John spoke gently–-"she's not out of the woods yet."A gust of cold air entered my son – drenched room and I shivered…